I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Pure, unapologetic fun wrapped in a well-crafted arrangement that respects the source material. The music carries the playful absurdity of a child's Christmas wish list with musical sincerity, creating that rare moment where audiences and performers are in on the joke together.

Any concert band looking for a memorable closer or mid-program lift that audiences actually anticipate. The Grade 2 level makes it suitable for high school, middle school, and developing community bands seeking something fun without sacrificing musicianship.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision of the melody line. Students who can nail the syncopation and articulation will make the humor land without overplaying it.
• Balance the accompaniment voices carefully so the main theme stays prominent. A thick, muddy backup will bury the charm of the arrangement.
• Keep the tempo steady and confident throughout. The 1:50 duration moves quickly, so hesitation will kill the comedic timing.
• Let your woodwinds and brass sections each find their character in the supporting figures. This piece invites personality from every section.

Program this as the final piece on a holiday concert to send the audience home smiling. The upbeat energy and familiar melody also make it an excellent opener for a casual winter pops program where you want to establish an accessible, warm tone early.

• Articulation clarity in melody lines
• Rhythmic precision with syncopated figures
• Ensemble balance and inner voice awareness
• Phrasing for comedic effect
• Maintaining steady tempo through straightforward harmonic progressions